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Changing a Flat Tire

A blown tire is no laughing matter. Flat or blown tires often cause accidents
and can scare drivers of any experience level. If you ever blow a tire
while driving, you must proceed with caution and follow the necessary
steps to make sure you’re safe and that your replacement or spare
tire is installed properly.

Find a Safe Spot To Pull Over

In the most ideal situation, pulling off the freeway at an exit is your
best option. If you can’t make it to an exit, to avoid a car accident
you should find an area that’s on a straight part of the highway.
If you park near a curve in the road, cars coming around the corner won’t
be able to see you.

Once you pull over, don’t forget to switch on your hazard lights.
It’s always good to remember every single detail when you're
on the side of the road. If you become involved in an accident, you should
be able to tell your lawyer that your hazard lights were on and you were
in a safe spot on the side of the road.

Step 1: Retrieve the Wrench, Jack and Spare Tire

The first step to take when you change a tire is to retrieve your necessary
tools and jack up the car.

For convenience, all tools should be located within the tire. Where you
place the jack to lift your car depends on your vehicle, but the ideal
place is between the front door and back door. Using a jack in the wrong
place could cause harm to the body of your vehicle.

Use the jack to lift the car to between six and eight inches off the ground.
This will give you enough room to work with.

Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts and Remove the Tire

Next, use your wrench to loosen the lug nuts on your tire. The lug nuts
will be somewhat difficult to remove, so position the wrench in a way
that allows you to put more body weight into the rotation. Remember the
old adage, "right-y tighty, lefty loose-y."

Put the blown tire into the trunk of your vehicle.

Step 3: Install the New Tire

Retrieve your spare tire and line up the holes with the lug nut posts on
your car. Once you’ve coordinated the holes and lug nut posts, push
the tire onto the wheel until it won’t go any further. The tire
should be touching the wheelbase.

After the tire is on the car, replace the lug nuts and make them as tight
as possible.

Step 4: Lower the Car Back to the Ground

Once you’ve completed the installation process, lower the car to
the ground. Slowly release the jack from underneath the car so you don’t
cause any damage to the body.

At this time, you’ll also want to make sure the lug nuts are fully
tightened while the tire is on the ground.

To avoid blown tires, take your car to a mechanic regularly to have them
evaluate your tires and replace if necessary. Properly maintaining your
vehicle is the best way to avoid any type of accident. Additionally, a
lawyer must know what condition your vehicle was in should you be involved
in an accident.